title: Polar properties and phase sequence in Eu(0.8)Y(0.2)MnO(3).
abstract: In this work, we have studied in detail the temperature dependence of the electric polarization of Eu(0.8)Y(0.2)MnO(3) aimed at clarifying the controversial issues concerning the ferroelectric nature of the lower temperature magnetic phases and hence its multiferroic character. The existence of a spontaneous polarization in 30 K < T < 22 K, provides clear evidence for the ferroelectric character of the re-entrant non-collinear spiral-antiferromagnetic phase, stable in that temperature range. Contrary to results published in previous works, our experimental data clearly show that the weak-ferromagnetic, canted antiferromagnetic phase stable below 20 K is not intrinsically ferroelectric. The misinterpretation, regarding the polar character of the lower temperature magnetic phases, stems from the existence of an induced polarization occurring below 30 K. The mechanisms associated with polar and magnetic properties, and their correlation with both spin and lattice structures are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: IFIMUP and IN-Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Departamento de Física da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal. jamoreir@fc.up.pt
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Agostinho Moreira
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Chaves
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Araújo
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: S M F
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Vilela
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Tavares